REVELATIONS 11:19, 12:1-6, 10; PSALM 45; 1CORINTHIANS 15:20-27; LUKE 1:39-56
MARY’S ASSUMPTION; OUR HOPE
The Assumption of Mary into heaven body and soul has been maintained by the faithful for centuries. It was only proclaimed a dogma of the faith by Pope Pius XII November 1, 1950. By dogma we mean a truth revealed by God, which the Magisterium of the Church declared as binding. Thus, Pius XII defined the dogma of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He solemnly proclaimed that the belief whereby the Blessed Virgin Mary, at the close of her earthly life, was taken up, body and soul, into the glory of heaven, definitively forms part of the deposit of faith, received from the Apostles. By this definition the Assumption of Mary became binding on every believer.
This revealed truth is scripturally captured in today’s first reading. The reading speaks of a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. Faced with the red dragon, this woman was moved by the power of God to a place prepared for her. This revelation points to Mary as the Queen of Heaven and the response to today’s psalm says “on your right stands the queen in gold of Ophir”. The right hand is the most honourable place. Again, it says “She stands” this is the posture of a servant; which shows that although she is a queen, yet she serves and obeys him. Mary is the lowly handmaid that was exalted (Luke 1:38, Luke 1:52). Every true servant of God shall equally sit at his right hand in glory. This queen is clothed in gold of Ophir that is, in the richest garments, made of the choicest gold; by which he designs the graces wherewith the church is adorned.
In the second reading, Paul declares, that his preaching is not in vain, that their faith is not worthless, that their sins are taken away, that the dead in Christ are not annihilated, that the hope of Christians does not terminate with this life. Again, Paul says Jesus Christ is the first-fruit and the first to rise from the dead. His rising shows that bodily resurrection is possible; nay, it is inevitable for those who are in Him. Therefore, those who belong to him will also rise from the dead. Mary belonged to Christ maternally and divinely, and so she triumphed over death body and soul. Every baptized belongs to Jesus and so if we keep his laws and teachings like Mary, at the end of our earthly lives we shall be glorified!
The readings today, finally concludes with a hymn of praise from the gospel reading. This hymn is popularly called the Magnificat. Mary drew upon the language and themes of Hannah, who lived more than a thousand years before her. Praising God in similar words Mary invites generations to generations to see her as an example of a simple human touched by divine power. This song also expressed her qualities; let us look at some of them very briefly.
Mary rejoiced in her God. In verses 47-48 Mary exclaimed, “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Mary rejoiced even though it was almost certain that she will be humiliated because of her unwed pregnancy. Beloved, nothing should steal your joy. If you are working for God, no amount of threats or life’s uncertainties should steal your joy. Mary rejoiced in God her Savior. So also should we.
Mary acknowledged that it was all God’s grace. In verses 48-50, “the humble estate of his servant… for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” She recognized that all she has was by God’s grace and mercy. Mary acknowledged that it was all a matter of God’s grace. So also should we.
Mary declared the victory of God over all those who portray themselves as proud and powerful. We too should declare this victory. She tied into what God was doing, not only in her generation, but in God’s wider plan. Today, we must learn to align ourselves with the broader vision of God. Our prayers should go beyond our needs into pushing for God’s will to be done. Lastly, Mary was taken into heaven body and soul at the end of her earthly life. Let us behave well so that at the end of our earthly lives we may not be driven into hell. As we choose to imitate Mary, may the hymn of praise never cease from our mouths. Amen.
MARY ASSUMED INTO HEAVEN, PRAY FOR US.
LET US PRAY
Almighty ever-living God, who assumed the Immaculate Virgin Mary, the Mother of your Son, body and soul into heavenly glory, grant we pray, that, always attentive to the things that are above, we may merit to be sharers of her glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
